Garlic Bread With Cheese

Every time I feel like treating my family to something special or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer on the table fast, I reach for this Garlic Bread With Cheese recipe. Golden and cheesy with just the right hit of garlicky goodness, it is the kind of comfort food that vanishes before you know it, whether paired with pasta or enjoyed straight off the cutting board.

I came up with this tricked out cheesy bread for a family movie night and it quickly became our go to for last minute gatherings or weekend dinners with friends Everyone always asks for seconds and the aroma alone brings everyone to the kitchen

Ingredients

• French bread: about one pound You want a loaf with a crusty exterior and tender middle so it soaks up all that flavorful butter
• Salted butter at room temperature: Softened butter spreads easier and gives the bread that rich melt in your mouth quality Look for good quality butter with a fresh creamy aroma
• Fresh garlic cloves minced: Nothing beats the taste of freshly minced garlic for bold flavor and aroma Choose firm cloves with tight skin for best results
• Italian salad dressing: This adds a tangy herby punch Pick a dressing with a short ingredient list for clean bright flavor
• Parmesan cheese grated: Adds a salty savory bite and melts into the top Choose a wedge and grate it yourself if possible for the freshest taste
• Mozzarella cheese shredded: The cheese stretches and melts beautifully Use a block and shred it yourself if possible for the best texture
• Fresh parsley to garnish: Offers a hit of color and freshness Chop right before serving for best flavor

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Let it fully preheat so the cheese melts evenly and the bread gets crisp without drying out

Mix the Garlic Butter:

In a large mixing bowl combine the softened butter minced garlic Italian dressing and one cup of mozzarella Stir until everything is completely combined and creamy The butter should hold the garlic bits and cheese in every spoonful

Prepare the Bread:

Slice your French bread in half lengthwise It helps to use a serrated bread knife Lay the halves cut side up on a baking sheet so they are ready for spreading

Spread and Layer:

Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over both bread halves Go all the way to the edges for maximum flavor Now sprinkle a layer of Parmesan cheese over the butter and finally finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese covering every spot

Bake the Bread:

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for ten minutes The cheese will melt and look glossy Watch that the bread does not burn underneath

Brown the Top:

Turn up the oven temperature to four hundred fifty degrees Keep baking for up to eight more minutes Stand by during this time because the cheese can brown quickly You want golden bubbling cheese but not scorched edges

Slice and Garnish:

Remove the bread from the oven Let it cool just until safe to handle Slice into one inch pieces Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a burst of bright color and freshness Serve as soon as possible for that gooey pull apart cheese

Pin it

My favorite part is adding fresh parsley I always sneak a little extra on top Maybe because it reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen where fresh herbs finished every meal My kids love pulling apart the slices right off the tray and somehow there are never any leftovers

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing Wrap tightly in foil or use an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge Freeze in a freezer safe bag for up to three months To reheat put the bread in foil in a three hundred fifty degree oven until warmed through You can reheat from frozen just add a few extra minutes Avoid microwaving on full power since that can make the bread tough

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have French bread Italian bread or ciabatta work nicely You can swap out mozzarella for a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavor profiles Try Monterey jack or provolone for a twist If you are out of fresh parsley use dried but halve the amount to avoid overpowering the topping

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy garlic bread is classic with pasta especially spaghetti or lasagna It also makes a great side for soups like tomato basil or minestrone For parties slice thinner and serve as a fun starter Add a bowl of marinara or ranch dressing for dunking

Pin it

A Little History

Garlic bread traces its roots to Italian bruschetta but American versions are all about extra cheese and big flavors The cheesy twist became popular in Italian American restaurants in the mid twentieth century making it a Friday night favorite or a hearty addition to game day spreads

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread works best for this dish?

French bread is ideal—it has a crisp crust and soft center that soaks up the garlic butter without getting soggy.

→ Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

For best results, shred cheese from a block. Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan melt smoother and taste better.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep any remaining slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What’s the best way to reheat it?

Wrap slices in foil and warm in a 350° oven until heated through, or use the microwave at low power to prevent chewiness.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and slice the bread without baking, then freeze. Bake straight from the freezer, adjusting bake time as needed.